Meet Craig

Get to know your candidate

Representative Craig S. Riedel is currently serving his second term as state representative to the 82nd Ohio House District, which includes Defiance, Paulding and Van Wert counties, as well as part of Auglaize County.

Representative Riedel grew up on a farm just outside the small town of Attica, Ohio and graduated from Seneca East High School. After earning a civil engineering degree from the Ohio State University, he enjoyed a 27-year long career with Nucor Vulcraft Group. He retired in June of 2015 in order to follow his passion for public service and represent his friends and fellow citizens in northwestern Ohio.

Actively involved in various communities, Representative Riedel was a youth football, basketball, and baseball coach. He was a member of the Defiance St. Mary Pastoral Council and currently serves as a Eucharistic Minister. Representative Riedel was also an officer with the Defiance High School Athletic Boosters and is a member of the Defiance Rotary Club. He volunteers his time freely with community projects and activities.

Representative Riedel and his wife, Danette, have two adult children, Steve and Renee. His children are both graduates of Defiance High School and the Ohio State University. He also has two granddaughters, Ryan and Evie. Craig and Danette have been married for 31 years and reside in Defiance.